1. Where in Costa Rica is the language school located?
We are located in downtown San José,
perpendicular to Avenida Central (Central Avenue).
Our prime location allows for easy access to public transportation
and is in walking distance to nearby attractions. It is
also an ideal location of departure for trips to any place
in the country.
2. Who are the instructors?
Our instructors
are highly qualified, native-speakers so that you get
the most out of your time spent at Universal de Idiomas.
3. Can someone help us with trips to other cities?
We offer the best and most inexpensive
ways to travel throughout Costa Rica. We also recommend
certain places to stay as well as inform you of the major
events going on at that time.
About Spanish Classes
1. Are there different Spanish classes for different
levels?
Yes. Our Spanish classes range from
beginner, intermediate, to advanced. In addition to regular
Spanish classes, Universal de Idiomas offers various other
programs such as internships,
cooking and dancing classes, Medical Spanish, Spanish
for teachers and Business Spanish classes.
2. What if I have never studied Spanish before?
This is no problem. Our beginner class
is perfect for those who have little or no prior Spanish
experience. Our professors will proceed at a comfortable
pace.
3. What will happen on my first day at the language
school?
A placement exam and an oral interview
will be given upon arrival so that we may place you in
an appropriate Spanish level. If you are a beginner, we
will simply place you in a beginner's class. The exam
and interview are free of charge to the student.
4. Do I need to bring certain materials to class?
It is advisable to bring a good Spanish-English
dictionary along with a notebook and a writing utensil.
Anything else that you might need is available for purchase
at our office.
About Costa Rica
1. Do I need a visa to come to Costa Rica?
A visa is not needed if you are in Costa
Rica for 90 days or less.
2. Do I need a passport?
Yes, you are required to have a passport to enter Costa
Rica. It is also required that you carry your passport
or a copy of your passport with you at all times.
3. Do I need to pay any fees when I enter or leave
the country?
You do not need to pay a fee when you
enter Costa Rica. However, there is a departure tax for
short term visitors. Currently that amount is $27. This
can be paid by cash or credit card at the airport.
4. What is the weather like?
Climate in Costa Rica varies from region to
region. Costa Rica has two seasons. December through April is
known as the dry season, or summer, which includes little rain.
During this season there is more wind and temperatures are more
mild.The wet season, or winter, which runs from May through
November consists of sunshine in the morning along with clouds
and rain in the afternoon and evening. Luckily Costa Rica almost
never gets hurricanes. The last significant hurricane in Costa
Rica was in 1996. Costa Rica's location means that hurricanes
formed in the ocean move right past them to the United States
or Mexico and sometimes even to its neighbor Nicaragua, only
leaving rain as a reminder of its formation.
5. What kind of clothes should I bring?
In San José it is rare to see people
wearing shorts, especially women. In general it is smart to
dress conservatively, although you will see your share of tica
women clad in skin tight pants and belly bearing shirts. It
is good to bring light pants and a few sweaters. Evenings in
San Jose can be cool, so it is wise to bring clothes you can
layer. Rain gear, such as a poncho and umbrella is a must during
the wet season. The weather can change drastically in the afternoons.
6. What other items would you recommend bringing?
If you plan to go to the beach buy some
suncream before going. It is overpriced in Costa Rica.
It is not necessary to bring all your toiletries from
home; unless you use an obscure brand, you will find it
here. Binoculars come in handy. In addition, insect repellant
and anti-itch cream are a must.
7. What is the currency of Costa Rica?
The Costa Rican currency is the Colon.
The exchange rate changes almost daily.
Click
here for Currency Converter
8. How is the transportation? Is public transportation
in Costa Rica expensive?
The public transportation in San José
is easily accessible. You can find bus stops in almost
every street and the bus system can take you about anywhere.
A bus ride in town costs you about 90 – 150 colones
(about 30 cents). Taxis are readily used as well.
9. How safe is Costa Rica?
Overall, Costa Rica is a safe country; however you must
watch out for pick-pocketing and common crimes that occur
in any city. Safety Tips
10. Is it better to bring traveler checks, credit cards
or cash?
Traveler checks are very good to have
in case of lost or stolen checks. You can get these replaced
easier than cash or credit cards. The most widely used
credit cards in Costa Rica are Visa and Master Card. It
is also fairly easy to find ATM's in larger cities, including
San José. Some ATM's dispense US dollars. All banks
will exchange US dollars and some will exchange Euros.
Be wary of changing money on the street, as you probably
will not get a better deal and are more likely to be cheated
or given fake money.
11. What are
the electrical standards for Costa Rica?
The standards are the same as in the
United States, 110 watts.
12. How much do I tip when eating at restaurants or
taking a taxi?
In Costa Rica the tip is included in
the bill. There is a 10% service charge and 13% tax. It
is not necessary to tip.
Others
- Homestay Information
- History of Spanish
- History of Costa Rica
